1
as in sparse
less plentiful than what is normal, necessary, or desirable
food was a bit scarce last winter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lacking
not coming up to an expected measure or meeting a particular need
help is always scarce in the resort town during the busy summer season
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scarce
Of greater relevance for our purposes may be his relatively scarce international involvement since committing to the USMNT in 2022, having previously represented Germany at all major youth levels.
—
Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 19 May 2025
But with land and material costs rising and labor increasingly scarce, many pivoted their attention to the move-up and luxury markets after the housing crash.
—Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 18 May 2025
While discrete graphics options are absent and some other more premium features are scarce, Acer includes OLED screen upgrade options on these systems.
—Matthew Buzzi, PC Magazine, 16 May 2025
The fact is jobs are scarce because movies are scarce.
—Bill Mechanic, Deadline, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for scarce
Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 19 May 2025
But with land and material costs rising and labor increasingly scarce, many pivoted their attention to the move-up and luxury markets after the housing crash.
—Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 18 May 2025
While discrete graphics options are absent and some other more premium features are scarce, Acer includes OLED screen upgrade options on these systems.
—Matthew Buzzi, PC Magazine, 16 May 2025
The fact is jobs are scarce because movies are scarce.
—Bill Mechanic, Deadline, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for scarce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scarce
Adjective
-
But turnout at Wednesday’s sessions was sparse; at faculty and student forums, more than half of the seats were empty.—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
22 May 2025
-
The Spa The Recovery Lab feels more like a doctor’s office than a traditional spa, with sparse white walls and minimal decor.—
Siobhan Reid,
Travel + Leisure,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
The product was released in 2023 to a poor reception, and discontinued before the company began winding down operations in February.—
Tom Huddleston Jr.,
CNBC,
24 May 2025
-
The original doesn’t go that deeply into it, but this poor girl was essentially forced to be a teen mom at this time in her life when all of her friends would be graduating high school and dating and thinking about their futures.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
24 May 2025
Adjective
-
Labor advocates say the strikers’ benefits bill is a necessary counter to the advantages most employers have at the bargaining table, especially since the Trump administration has left the National Labor Relations Board with insufficient members to act and shrunk the ranks of labor mediators.—
Mark Pazniokas,
Hartford Courant,
31 May 2025
-
The measure previously failed to pass a procedural hurdle due to insufficient Democratic support.—
Owen Tedford,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Adjective
-
In fact, with one of the lowest average ages in the whole of the Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain this season has become a team known for its young, hardworking and likeable core group of players – Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Barcola and Doué have all garnered plaudits.—
Jamie Barton,
CNN Money,
31 May 2025
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Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
31 May 2025
Adjective
-
When their work is considered inadequate, a perfectionistic leader’s anger can threaten psychological safety in the workplace.—
Esade Business & Law School,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
-
Yesterday’s announcement that Israel will allow a basic quantity of food into Gaza is wholly inadequate.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scarce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scarce. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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